Opening Theme to ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ had Lyrics

One of the most memorable television theme songs in the history of T.V. is that of “The Andy Griffith Show.” But most of us knew it simply as a tune that was whistled, and not one with full lyrics. We didn’t even know it had a title! Well, it does, and it’s called “Fishin’ Hole.” And the lyrics are just as catchy as that whistled opener. But who could sing it better than the show’s protagonist? That’s right, no one, which is why Andy Griffith himself originally sang the opening song prior to the determination to change it.

Griffith recorded a fully sung version of the show’s theme which was written in under 15 minutes by Herbert Spencer and Earle Hagen. Everett Sloane, known for composing television theme songs for “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Mod Squad,” and “I Spy,” wrote the lyrics to “Fishin’ Hole,” with a simplicity meant to reflect the nature of the show. Listen here as Griffith melodiously warbles his way into your mind’s eye:

Considering the majority of The Andy Griffith Show’s plot centered around the star himself playing music on his front porch, or wherever else it could be added into the show, it shouldn’t be a shocker that Griffith himself was chosen to sing the theme song. It’s a catchy tune, with or without lyrics, but we’ve found after listening, it doesn’t take much for this song to hit instant replay in your mind for the rest of the day. And after all, it’s not such a bad thing to have Andy Griffith singing to you all afternoon, now is it?